Multi-plane surgical incision guide

ABSTRACT

A surgical blade may include a surgical incision guide configured to guide a surgical incision. The surgical incision guide may include one or more surgical incision guide marks. A surgical incision guide mark may be configured to provide information about a surgical incision. For example, a surgeon may compare a location of a surgical incision guide with a portion of a tissue to identify an incision depth. Illustratively, a surgeon may compare a location of a surgical incision guide with a portion of a tissue to identify an optimum incision depth to adjust an orientation of a surgical blade.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This Application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.13/572,349 filed Aug. 10, 2012.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure relates to a surgical instrument, and, moreparticularly, to a surgical instrument for making surgical incisions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Some surgical procedures require a surgical instrument with an extremelysharp blade. In order to create very precise incisions in a tissue thatis difficult to cut due to, e.g., the tissue's biological composition,it is important for a surgeon to have an instrument with an extremelysharp blade. For example, eye surgeons may need to cut a patient'scornea during various surgical procedures, e.g., a common cataractsurgery. If a patient's cornea is not cut with an extremely sharp blade,then the force required to make an incision in the patient's cornea witha less than extremely sharp blade may cause the corneal surface toindent before the less than extremely sharp blade pierces the patient'scornea. The corneal surface indentation creates a non-uniform surgicalincision which prevents the cornea tissue from healing in a naturalposition. Rather, the cornea tissue heals in an aspherical position withan imprecise optical surface, e.g., resulting in a corneal astigmatism.

Unfortunately, surgical instruments with extremely sharp blades presentan inherent risk of injury to professionals involved in the packaging,shipping, handling, and use of the surgical instruments for surgicalprocedures. Although any sharp edge may be capable of causing injury ifmishandled, extremely sharp blades can cause significant trauma withvery little force. If a small amount of force applied to a conventionalblade against a person's tissue may cause a superficial incision in theperson's tissue, then the same small amount of force applied to anextremely sharp blade against the person's tissue may be capable ofinflicting a deep and serious wound. Thus, there is a need for asurgical instrument with an extremely sharp blade that minimizes therisk of injury to individuals involved in the packaging, shipping,handling, and use of the surgical instrument for surgical procedures.

Although extremely sharp blades may facilitate a surgeon's ability tocreate precise, uniform surgical incisions, there is still a risk thatan incision performed with an extremely sharp blade may heal improperly.For example, severed edges of tissue may heal unevenly unless suturesare used to hold the severed edges in a natural position. Unfortunately,suturing delicate tissue may pose additional risks to a patient.However, a surgeon may attempt a multi-plane incision to ensure that asurgical incision heals properly. A surgeon may perform a multi-planeincision by initially penetrating a tissue to a first depth with a bladeoriented at a first angle relative to the tissue and then penetratingthe tissue to a second depth with the blade oriented at a second anglerelative to the tissue. A successful multi-plane incision increases thetotal surface area of the tissue severed by a surgical blade and alsocreates a surgical geometry in each side of the tissue severed by thesurgical blade wherein two sides of the tissue may only be reunited andheal in a single position, i.e., a natural position.

Unfortunately, multi-plane surgical incision procedures are difficultfor a surgeon to perform accurately. Additionally, it is difficult for asurgeon to repeat an accurate multi-plane incision with precision. Thus,there is a need for a surgical instrument with a surgical incision guideconfigured to allow surgeons to perform accurate and repeatablemulti-plane surgical incisions.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure provides a surgical instrument handle forselectively actuating a surgical blade. Illustratively, the surgicalblade may comprise a surgical incision guide configured to guide asurgical incision. In one or more illustrative embodiments, a surgicalinstrument handle may selectively actuate a surgical blade between asafe position wherein the surgical blade is contained within an outersleeve and an extended position wherein the surgical blade is at leastpartially extended from a distal end of the outer sleeve.Illustratively, a surgeon or a surgeon's assistant may receive asurgical instrument handle for selectively actuating a surgical blade ina safe position wherein the surgical blade is contained within an outersleeve. The surgeon or the surgeon's assistant may then selectivelyactuate the surgical blade from the safe position to an extendedposition wherein the surgical blade is at least partially extended froma distal end of the outer sleeve. After completion of all or a portionof a surgical procedure, the surgeon or the surgeon's assistant may thenselectively actuate the surgical blade from the extended position to thesafe position.

In one or more embodiments, a surgical instrument may comprise an outersleeve, an inner handle configured to actuate relative to the outersleeve, a surgical blade fixed to a distal end of the inner handle, anda detent configured to selectively fix a position of the inner handlerelative to the outer sleeve. Illustratively, the surgical instrumentmay be selectively actuated between a first position of the inner handlerelative to the outer sleeve and a second position of the inner handlerelative to the outer sleeve. In the first position, the surgical blademay be contained within the outer sleeve. In the second position, thesurgical blade may be at least partially extended from a distal end ofthe outer sleeve for use in a surgical procedure. In one or moreembodiments, the surgical blade may comprise a surgical incision guideconfigured to guide a surgical incision.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and further advantages of the present invention may be betterunderstood by referring to the following description in conjunction withthe accompanying drawings in which like reference numerals indicateidentical or functionally similar elements:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a surgical blade;

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic diagrams of an outer sleeve;

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an inner handle;

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of a surgicalinstrument handle;

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade in a safeposition;

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade in asurgical position;

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, and 7G are schematic diagrams illustratingan actuation of a surgical blade from a first fixed position to a secondfixed position;

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G are schematic diagrams illustratingan actuation of a surgical blade from a second fixed position to a firstfixed position;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are schematic diagrams illustrating a surgicalblade;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are schematic diagrams illustrating a surgical blade.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENT

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic diagrams illustrating a surgical blade100. FIG. 1A illustrates a top view, a side view, and a bottom view ofsurgical blade 100. FIG. 1B illustrates a side view and a top view ofsurgical blade 100. In one or more embodiments, surgical blade 100 maycomprise a blade mount 110 and a blade 120. Illustratively, blade mount110 is configured to support blade 120. Blade mount 110 comprises ablade mount distal end 111 and a blade mount proximal end 112. In one ormore embodiments, blade mount 110 may be configured to orient blade 120at an angle 130, e.g., for making surgical incisions. Blade mount 110may be manufactured from any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals,metal alloys, etc., or from any combination of suitable materials.

Illustratively, blade 120 may be configured to make surgical incisions.Blade 120 comprises a blade distal end 121, a blade proximal end 122,and at least one blade edge 123. In one or more embodiments, bladeproximal end 122 interfaces with blade mount distal end 111. Blade 120may be manufactured from any suitable material, e.g., sapphire, diamond,silicon, polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from any combinationof suitable materials.

FIGS. 2A, 2B, and 2C are schematic diagrams of an outer sleeve 200. FIG.2A illustrates a top view, a side view, and a bottom view of outersleeve 200. In one or more embodiments, outer sleeve 200 may comprise anouter sleeve distal end 201, an outer sleeve proximal end 202, anergonomic surgical safety grip 210, and an actuation guide 220.Illustratively, ergonomic surgical safety grip 210 may be configured toprevent undesirable movements of surgical blade 100 during a surgicalprocedure. For example, ergonomic surgical safety grip 210 may beconfigured to prevent unintentional movements of surgical blade 100before a surgical procedure, during a surgical procedure, and after asurgical procedure.

In one or more embodiments, ergonomic surgical safety grip 210 maycomprise one or more grip points 211. Illustratively, grip points 211may be configured to conform to a surgeon's finger tips. In one or moreembodiments, grip points 211 may be configured to increase a totalcontact area between a surgeon's finger tips and ergonomic surgicalsafety grip 210. Illustratively, grip points 211 may be manufactured asone or more indents in outer sleeve 200, e.g., to increase a totalcontact area between a surgeon's finger tips and ergonomic surgicalsafety grip 210. In one or more embodiments, grip points 211 may bemanufactured as one or more apertures in outer sleeve 200.Illustratively, ergonomic surgical safety grip 210 may comprise a sleeveconfigured to fit over outer sleeve 200. Ergonomic surgical safety grip210 may be manufactured from any suitable material, e.g., polymers,metals, metal alloys, etc., or from any combination of suitablematerials.

Illustratively, actuation guide 220 may be configured to guide anactuation of surgical blade 100. In one or more embodiments, actuationguide 220 may comprise a distal detent 221, a proximal detent 222, andan actuation channel 225. Actuation channel 225 may comprise anactuation channel distal end 226 and an actuation channel proximal end227. Illustratively, an actuation pin 230 may be configured to actuatein conjunction with surgical blade 100. In one or more embodiments,distal detent 221 may be configured to temporarily fix actuation pin 230in a distal position in actuation guide 220, and proximal detent 222 maybe configured to temporarily fix actuation pin 230 in a proximalposition in actuation guide 220. Illustratively, actuation channel 225may be configured to allow actuation pin 230 to actuate between a distalposition and a proximal position in actuation guide 220. For example,actuation channel 225 may be configured to allow actuation pin 230 toactuate between actuation channel proximal end 227 and actuation channeldistal end 226. In one or more embodiments, actuation pin 230 may beaccessed, e.g., for replacement, repair, etc., via an actuation pinaccess port 240.

FIG. 2B illustrates a view of a cross-section of outer sleeve 200. Inone or more embodiments, an interior of outer sleeve 200 may comprise anouter sleeve proximal core 250, outer sleeve distal core 260, and apressure mechanism distal interface 270. Illustratively, outer sleevedistal core 260 may be configured to conform to blade mount 110.

FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, actuation guide 220 may comprise a distal detent 221, aproximal detent 222, and an intermediate detent 223. Illustratively,proximal detent 222 may be configured to fix actuation pin 230 in anintermediate position in actuation guide 220.

FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an inner handle 300. FIG. 3 illustratesa top view, a side view, and a bottom view of inner handle 300. Innerhandle 300 comprises an inner handle distal end 301 and an inner handleproximal end 302. Illustratively, inner handle 300 may be configured toactuate relative to outer sleeve 200. In one or more embodiments, innerhandle 300 may comprise a pressure mechanism foundation 310, a distalouter sleeve interface 320, a proximal outer sleeve interface 330, aninner handle base 340, and an actuation control apparatus 350.Illustratively, distal outer sleeve interface 320 and proximal outersleeve interface 330 may be configured to conform to the dimensions ofouter sleeve proximal core 250.

In one or more embodiments, distal outer sleeve interface 320 may beconfigured to contain actuation pin 230. Illustratively, distal outersleeve interface 320 may comprise a pressure mechanism proximalinterface 321 and a distal actuation guide 322. In one or moreembodiments, distal actuation guide 322 may be configured to minimize afriction force during an actuation of inner handle 300. Illustratively,proximal outer sleeve interface 330 may comprise a proximal actuationguide 331 and an actuation control apparatus interface 332. In one ormore embodiments, proximal actuation guide 331 may be configured tominimize a friction force during an actuation of inner handle 300.

In one or more embodiments, actuation control apparatus 350 may beconfigured to initiate an actuation of surgical blade 100.Illustratively, actuation control apparatus 350 may be configured tomanipulate an actuation of surgical blade 100. For example, actuationcontrol apparatus 350 may be configured to control a lateral actuationof surgical blade 100 relative to outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, actuation control apparatus 350 may be configured tocontrol a rotational actuation of surgical blade 100 relative to outersleeve 200. Illustratively, actuation control apparatus 350 may comprisea diamond or knurl grip pattern configured to improve a surgeon's or anassistant's ability to grasp actuation control apparatus 350. Actuationcontrol apparatus 350 may be manufactured from any suitable material,e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from any combination ofsuitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, actuation control apparatus 350 may comprisea blade indication signal 355. Illustratively, blade indication signal355 may be a visual signal, e.g., a color, configured to indicate one ormore properties of surgical blade 100. In one or more embodiments, bladeindication signal 355 may comprise a solid or multicolored markconfigured to indicate one or more properties of blade 120. For example,a particular color or color combination displayed by blade indicationsignal 355 may indicate a particular property of blade 120, e.g., alength of blade 120, a width of blade 120, a surgical geometry of blade120, a composition material of blade 120, etc. Illustratively, bladeindication signal 355 may be configured to display specific colorswherein the colors yellow, beige, black, blue, red, brown, green, andgrey may indicate blade 120 dimension lengths of 1.0 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.2 mm,2.4 mm, 2.65 mm, 2.8 mm, 3.0 mm, and 3.2 mm, respectively.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exploded view of a surgicalinstrument handle 400. FIG. 4 illustrates an exploded top view and anexploded side view of surgical instrument handle 400. In one or moreembodiments, surgical instrument handle 400 may comprise a surgicalblade 100, an outer sleeve 200, an actuation pin 230, an inner handle300, a fixation mechanism 410, and a pressure mechanism 420.Illustratively, fixation mechanism 410 is configured to attach blademount proximal end 112 and inner handle distal end 301. In one or moreembodiments, fixation mechanism 410 may comprise a set screw configuredto firmly attach blade mount proximal end 112 to inner handle distal end301. In one or more embodiments, fixation mechanism 410 may comprise anadhesive material configured to attach blade mount proximal end 112 toinner handle distal end 301, or fixation mechanism 410 may comprise oneor more magnets configured to attach blade mount proximal end 112 toinner handle distal end 301.

Illustratively, pressure mechanism 420 may comprise a pressure mechanismdistal end 421 and a pressure mechanism proximal end 422. In one or moreembodiments, surgical instrument handle 400 may be assembled by fittingpressure mechanism 420 on pressure mechanism foundation 310 by, e.g.,guiding pressure mechanism proximal end 422 over inner handle distal end301 until pressure mechanism proximal end 422 abuts pressure mechanismproximal interface 321. Illustratively, pressure mechanism 420 may bedisposed between pressure mechanism distal interface 270 and pressuremechanism proximal interface 321. For example, pressure mechanism distalend 421 may abut pressure mechanism distal interface 270 and pressuremechanism proximal end 422 may abut pressure mechanism proximalinterface 321. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may becoupled to pressure mechanism foundation 310. For example, pressuremechanism 420 and pressure mechanism foundation 310 may be manufacturedfrom a single suitable material or a combination of suitable materials.

Illustratively, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide aforce. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may beconfigured to provide a constant or uniform force. In one or more otherembodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide avariable force. For example, pressure mechanism 420 may comprise aspring or a coil. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 maycomprise a spring with a spring constant in a range of 0.01 N/mm to 5.0N/mm. In one or more other embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 maycomprise a spring with a spring constant less than 0.01 N/mm or greaterthan 5.0 N/mm. Illustratively, pressure mechanism 420 may comprise apneumatic system. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 maybe configured to provide a resistive force to resist an actuation. Forexample, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide a resistiveforce to resist an actuation of surgical blade 100 from an enclosedposition wherein surgical blade 100 is contained within outer sleeve 200to an extended position wherein surgical blade 100 is at least partiallyextended from outer sleeve distal end 201. Illustratively, pressuremechanism 420 may be configured to provide a resistive force thatresists actuation pin 230 from an egression out of distal detent 221 orproximal detent 222. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420may be configured to provide a facilitating force to facilitate anactuation. For example, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured toprovide a facilitating force to facilitate an actuation of surgicalblade 100 from an extended position wherein surgical blade 100 is atleast partially extended from outer sleeve distal end 201 to an enclosedposition wherein surgical blade 100 is contained within outer sleeve200.

In one or more embodiments, blade indication signal 355 may comprise ablade indication band 356. Illustratively, blade indication band 356 maybe configured to fit over a portion of actuation control apparatus 350.For example, blade indication band 356 may be a single color or acombination of single colors configured to indicate one or moreproperties of surgical blade 100. Illustratively, a blade indicationband 356 of a particular color or color combination may indicate aparticular property of blade 120, e.g., a length of blade 120, a widthof blade 120, a surgical geometry of blade 120, a composition materialof blade 120, etc.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 100 in asafe position 500. In one or more embodiments, surgical blade 100 may bein safe position 500 when actuation pin 230 is temporarily fixed inproximal detent 222. Illustratively, surgical blade 100 may be containedin outer sleeve 200 when actuation pin 230 is temporarily fixed inproximal detent 222. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420may be configured to provide a resistive force that resists actuationpin 230 from an egression out of proximal detent 222.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 100 in asurgical position 600. In one or more embodiments, surgical blade 100may be in surgical position 600 when actuation pin 230 is temporarilyfixed in distal detent 221. Illustratively, surgical blade 100 mayextend from outer sleeve distal end 201 when actuation pin 230 istemporarily fixed in distal detent 221. In one or more embodiments,pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide a resistive forcethat resists actuation pin 230 from an egression out of distal detent221.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D, 7E, 7F, and 7G are schematic diagrams illustratingan actuation of a surgical blade 100 from a first fixed position 700 toa second fixed position 760. FIG. 7A illustrates a surgical blade 100 ina first fixed position 700. Illustratively, first fixed position 700 maycomprise a safe position 500 wherein surgical blade 100 may be containedwithin outer sleeve 200. For example, in first fixed position 700,actuation pin 230 may be temporarily fixed in proximal detent 222.

FIG. 7B illustrates an egress 710 of actuation pin 230 from proximaldetent 222.

Illustratively, egress 710 of actuation pin 230 from proximal detent 222may be accomplished by an application of a force vector, e.g., appliedto actuation control apparatus 350, with a direction oriented towardouter sleeve distal end 201. For example, a surgeon or a surgeon'sassistant may cause an egress 710 of actuation pin 230 from proximaldetent 222 by, e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350 andpushing inner handle 300 into outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide aresistive force that resists an egress 710 of actuation pin 230 out ofproximal detent 222.

FIG. 7C illustrates an ingress 720 of actuation pin 230 into actuationchannel 225. Illustratively, ingress 720 of actuation pin 230 intoactuation channel 225 may be accomplished by a rotation of actuationcontrol apparatus 350 after an egress 710 of actuation pin 230 fromproximal detent 222. For example, after causing an egress 710 ofactuation pin 230 from proximal detent 222, a surgeon or a surgeon'sassistant may cause an ingress 720 of actuation pin 230 into actuationchannel 225 by, e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350 androtating inner handle 300 relative to outer sleeve 200.

FIG. 7D illustrates an actuation 730 of actuation pin 230 alongactuation channel 225, e.g., away from actuation channel proximal end227 and toward actuation channel distal end 226. Illustratively, anactuation 730 of actuation pin 230 along actuation channel 225 may beaccomplished by an application of a force vector, e.g., applied toactuation control apparatus 350, with a direction oriented toward outersleeve distal end 201 after an ingress 720 of actuation pin 230 intoactuation channel 225. For example, after causing an ingress 720 ofactuation pin 230 into actuation channel 225, a surgeon or a surgeon'sassistant may cause an actuation 730 of actuation pin 230 alongactuation channel 225 by, e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350and pushing inner handle 300 into outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide aresistive force that resists an actuation 730 of actuation pin 230 alongactuation channel 225.

FIG. 7E illustrates an ingress alignment 740 of actuation pin 230 withdistal detent 221. Illustratively, ingress alignment 740 of actuationpin 230 with distal detent 221 may be accomplished by guiding anactuation 730 of actuation pin 230 to actuation channel distal end 226.

FIG. 7F illustrates actuation pin 230 in a position for ingress 750 intodistal detent 221. Illustratively, actuation pin 230 may be guided toposition for ingress 750 into distal detent 221 by a rotation ofactuation control apparatus 350 after an ingress alignment 740 ofactuation pin 230 with distal detent 221. For example, after causing aningress alignment 740 of actuation pin 230 with distal detent 221, asurgeon or a surgeon's assistant may guide actuation pin 230 to positionfor ingress 750 into distal detent 221 by, e.g., grasping actuationcontrol apparatus 350 and rotating inner handle 300 relative to outersleeve 200.

FIG. 7G illustrates a surgical blade 100 in a second fixed position 760.Illustratively, surgical blade 100 may be temporarily fixed in a secondfixed position 760 by an application of a force vector, e.g., applied toactuation control apparatus 350, with a direction oriented toward outersleeve proximal end 202 after actuation pin 230 is in position foringress 750 into distal detent 221. For example, after guiding actuationpin 230 to position for ingress 750 into distal detent 221, a surgeon ora surgeon's assistant may temporarily fix surgical blade 100 in a secondfixed position 760 by, e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350and pulling inner handle 300 out of outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide afacilitating force that facilitates an actuation of actuation pin 230from position for ingress 750 to a second fixed position 760.

FIGS. 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, and 8G are schematic diagrams illustratingan actuation of a surgical blade from a second fixed position 760 to afirst fixed position 700. FIG. 8A illustrates a surgical blade 100 in asecond fixed position 760. Illustratively, second fixed position 760 maycomprise a surgical position 600 wherein surgical blade 100 may be atleast partially extended from outer sleeve 200. For example, surgicalblade 100 may be in second fixed position 760 when actuation pin 230 istemporarily fixed in distal detent 221.

FIG. 8B illustrates an egress 810 of actuation pin 230 from distaldetent 221. Illustratively, egress 810 of actuation pin 230 from distaldetent 221 may be accomplished by an application of a force vector,e.g., applied to actuation control apparatus 350, with a directionoriented toward outer sleeve distal end 201. For example, a surgeon or asurgeon's assistant may cause an egress 810 of actuation pin 230 fromdistal detent 222 by, e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350 andpushing inner handle 300 into outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide aresistive force that resists an egress 810 of actuation pin 230 out ofdistal detent 221.

FIG. 8C illustrates an ingress 820 of actuation pin 230 into actuationchannel 225. Illustratively, ingress 820 of actuation pin 230 intoactuation channel 225 may be accomplished by a rotation of actuationcontrol apparatus 350 after an egress 810 of actuation pin 230 fromdistal detent 221. For example, after causing an egress 810 of actuationpin 230 from distal detent 221, a surgeon or a surgeon's assistant maycause an ingress 820 of actuation pin 230 into actuation channel 225 by,e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350 and rotating inner handle300 relative to outer sleeve 200.

FIG. 8D illustrates an actuation 830 of actuation pin 230 alongactuation channel 225, e.g., away from actuation channel distal end 226and toward actuation channel proximal end 227. Illustratively, anactuation 830 of actuation pin 230 along actuation channel 225 may beaccomplished by an application of a force vector, e.g., applied toactuation control apparatus 350, with a direction oriented toward innerhandle proximal end 302 after an ingress 820 of actuation pin 230 intoactuation channel 225. For example, after causing an ingress 820 ofactuation pin 230 into actuation channel 225, a surgeon or a surgeon'sassistant may cause an actuation 830 of actuation pin 230 alongactuation channel 225 by, e.g., grasping actuation control apparatus 350and pulling inner handle 300 out of outer sleeve 200. In one or moreembodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide afacilitating force that facilitates an actuation 830 of actuation pin230 along actuation channel 225.

FIG. 8E illustrates an ingress alignment 840 of actuation pin 230 withproximal detent 222. Illustratively, ingress alignment 840 of actuationpin 230 with proximal detent 222 may be accomplished by guiding anactuation 830 of actuation pin 230 to actuation channel proximal end227.

FIG. 8F illustrates actuation pin 230 in a position for ingress 850 intoproximal detent 222. Illustratively, actuation pin 230 may be guided toposition for ingress 850 into proximal detent 222 by a rotation ofactuation control apparatus 350 after an ingress alignment 840 ofactuation pin 230 with proximal detent 222. For example, after causingan ingress alignment 840 of actuation pin 230 with proximal detent 222,a surgeon or a surgeon's assistant may guide actuation pin 230 toposition for ingress 850 into proximal detent 222 by, e.g., graspingactuation control apparatus 350 and rotating inner handle 300 relativeto outer sleeve 200.

FIG. 8G illustrates a surgical blade 100 in a first fixed position 700.Illustratively, surgical blade 100 may be temporarily fixed in a firstfixed position 700 by an application of a force vector, e.g., applied toactuation control apparatus 350, with a direction oriented toward innerhandle proximal end 302 after actuation pin 230 is in position foringress 850 into proximal detent 222. For example, after guidingactuation pin 230 to position for ingress 850 into proximal detent 222,a surgeon or a surgeon's assistant may temporarily fix surgical blade100 in a first fixed position 700 by, e.g., grasping actuation controlapparatus 350 and pulling inner handle 300 out of outer sleeve 200. Inone or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured toprovide a facilitating force that facilitates an actuation of actuationpin 230 from position for ingress 850 to a first fixed position 700.

In one or more embodiments, actuation guide 220 may comprise a distaldetent 221, a proximal detent 222, and an intermediate detent 223.Illustratively, intermediate detent 223 may be configured to temporarilyfix surgical blade 100 in a third fixed position relative to outersleeve 200; distal detent 221 may be configured to temporarily fixsurgical blade 100 in a second fixed position 760 relative to outersleeve 200; and proximal detent 222 may be configured to temporarily fixsurgical blade 100 in a first fixed position 700 relative to outersleeve 200. For example, while temporarily fixed in a third fixedposition relative to outer sleeve 200, surgical blade 100 may extend afirst distance from outer sleeve distal end 201. Illustratively, whiletemporarily fixed in a second fixed position 760 relative to outersleeve 200, surgical blade 100 may extend a second distance from outersleeve distal end 201, wherein the second distance from outer sleevedistal end 201 may be greater than the first distance from outer sleevedistal end 201.

In one or more embodiments, intermediate detent 223 may be configured totemporarily fix surgical blade 100 in a first position relative to outersleeve 200 wherein surgical blade 100 extends a first distance fromouter sleeve distal end 201 and blade 120 has a first exposed bladewidth. Illustratively, distal detent 221 may be configured totemporarily fix surgical blade 100 in a second position relative toouter sleeve 200 wherein surgical blade 100 extends a second distancefrom outer sleeve distal end 201 and blade 120 has a second exposedblade width. In one or more embodiments, the second exposed blade widthmay be greater than the first exposed blade width. For example, asurgeon or a surgeon's assistant may selectively actuate surgical blade100 from a first position relative to outer sleeve 200 to a secondposition relative to outer sleeve 200. Illustratively, while temporarilyfixed in the first position relative to outer sleeve 200, surgical blade100 may be configured to make a surgical incision, e.g., of a firstwidth, and while temporarily fixed in the second position relative toouter sleeve 200, surgical blade 100 may be configured to make asurgical incision, e.g., of a second width.

In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured toprovide a variable resistive force to resist an actuation of actuationpin 230. For example, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured toprovide a first resistive force with a first magnitude to resist anactuation of actuation pin 230 when actuation pin 230 is in a firstposition relative to outer sleeve 200. Illustratively, pressuremechanism 420 may be configured to provide a second resistive force witha second magnitude to resist an actuation of actuation pin 230 whenactuation pin 230 is in a second position relative to outer sleeve 200.

In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured toprovide a first resistive force with a first magnitude that resists anegress 710 of actuation pin 230 out of proximal detent 222.Illustratively, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide asecond resistive force with a second magnitude that resists an actuation730 of actuation pin 230 along actuation channel 225. In one or moreembodiments, the first magnitude of the first resistive force may not beidentical to the second magnitude of the second resistive force. Forexample, the second magnitude of the second resistive force may begreater than the first magnitude of the first resistive force.

Illustratively, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to provide avariable resistive force to resist an actuation of actuation pin 230along actuation channel 225 wherein the magnitude of the variableresistive force increases as actuation pin 230 is actuated fromactuation channel proximal end 227 towards actuation channel distal end226. In one or more embodiments, pressure mechanism 420 may beconfigured to provide a variable resistive force to resist an actuationof actuation pin 230 wherein the variable resistive force has a maximummagnitude when actuation pin 230 is located at actuation channel distalend 226. For example, pressure mechanism 420 may be configured toprovide a small resistive force to resist an egress 710 of actuation pin230 from proximal detent 222 and a large resistive force to resist anegress 810 of actuation pin 230 from distal detent 221. Illustratively,pressure mechanism 420 may be configured to allow a surgeon or asurgeon's assistant to initiate an actuation of surgical blade 100 froma safe position 500 to a surgical position 600 with a smaller forcemagnitude, e.g., applied to actuation control apparatus 350, than aforce magnitude that may be required to initiate an actuation ofsurgical blade 100 from a surgical position 600 to a safe position 500.

FIG. 9A is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 900. In oneor more embodiments, surgical blade 900 may comprise a blade mount 910and a blade 920. Illustratively, blade mount 910 may be configured tosupport blade 920. Blade mount 910 may be manufactured from any suitablematerial, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., or from anycombination of suitable materials. Illustratively, blade 920 may beconfigured to make surgical incisions. Blade 920 comprises a bladedistal end 921, a blade proximal end 922, and at least one blade edge923. Blade 920 may be manufactured from any suitable material, e.g.,sapphire, diamond, silicon, polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc., orfrom any combination of suitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, surgical blade 900 may comprise a surgicalincision guide 930. Illustratively, surgical incision guide 930 may beconfigured to provide information, e.g., information about a surgicalincision. For example, surgical incision guide 930 may be located at aspecific distance 940 from blade distal end 921. Illustratively, asurgeon may compare a location of an outer surface of a tissue with alocation of surgical incision guide 930 during a surgical incision,e.g., to provide information about the surgical incision. For example,surgical incision guide 930 may be configured to indicate a surgicalincision depth of blade 920 in a tissue. In one or more embodiments,surgical incision guide 930 may be configured to indicate a desiredsurgical incision depth, e.g., to inform a surgeon that blade 920 ispenetrating a tissue at a desirable depth. Illustratively, surgicalincision guide 930 may be configured to indicate an undesirable surgicalincision depth, e.g., to inform a surgeon that blade 920 is penetratinga tissue at an undesirable depth.

In one or more embodiments, surgical incision guide 930 may beconfigured to guide a multi-plane surgical incision. A surgeon mayperform a multi-plane incision by initially penetrating a tissue to afirst depth with blade 920 oriented at a first angle relative to thetissue and then penetrating the tissue to a second depth with blade 920oriented at a second angle relative to the tissue. Illustratively,surgical incision guide 930 may be configured to indicate that blade 920is at an optimal depth within a tissue, e.g., by a comparison of anouter surface of the tissue with a location of surgical incision guide930, for a surgeon to change surgical incision planes within the tissue.For example, when a surgeon is performing a multi-plane surgicalincision, surgical incision guide 930 may be configured to guide thesurgeon to penetrate blade 920 to a first depth in a tissue whereinblade 920 may be orientated at a first angle relative to a plane normalto a portion of the surface of the tissue. After penetrating blade 920to the first depth in the tissue at the first angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue, the surgeonmay adjust an orientation of blade 920 to a second angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue, and then thesurgeon may penetrate blade 920 to a second depth in the tissue.

Illustratively, surgical incision guide 930 may comprise a visual signalconfigured to differentiate a first portion of blade 920 from a secondportion of blade 920. For example, surgical incision guide 930 maycomprise a marking, e.g., a line, on the surface of blade 920.Illustratively, surgical incision guide 930 may comprise a biocompatiblepaint or ink. Surgical incision guide 930 may be manufactured by anysuitable means for marking a portion of blade 920. In one or moreembodiments, surgical incision guide 930 may be manufactured by etching,e.g., laser etching, a marking on blade 920. Illustratively, surgicalincision guide 930 may be configured to minimize friction, e.g., betweenblade 920 and a tissue during a surgical procedure. For example,surgical incision guide 930 may be configured to minimize variation in ageometry of a portion of blade 920.

In one or more embodiments, blade 920 may comprise information aboutblade 920. Illustratively, one or more dimensions of blade 920 may bemarked on blade 920, e.g., by laser etching or by biocompatible paint orink, or by any other suitable means. For example, a blade 920 with awidth of, e.g., 2.0 mm, may have the numbers and distance units “2.0 mm”marked on a portion of blade 920. Illustratively, a blade 920 with awidth of, e.g., 2.0 mm, may have the numbers “2.0” or the number “2”marked on a portion of blade 920.

In one or more embodiments, blade 920 may comprise information about alocation of surgical incision guide 930 on blade 920. Illustratively,information about a location of surgical incision guide 930 may bemarked on blade 920, e.g., by laser etching or by biocompatible paint orink, or by any other suitable means. For example, a distance between alocation of surgical incision guide 930 and blade distal end 921 may bemarked on a portion of blade 920. Illustratively, if a distance betweensurgical incision guide 930 and blade distal end 921 is, e.g., 0.25 mm,the numbers and the distance units “0.25 mm” may be marked on a portionof blade 920. For example, if a distance between surgical incision guide930 and blade distal end 921 is, e.g., 0.25 mm, the numbers “0.25” orthe number “0.25” may be marked on a portion of blade 920.

FIG. 9B is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 901. In oneor more embodiments, surgical blade 901 may comprise a first surgicalincision guide 950 and a second surgical incision guide 951.Illustratively, first surgical incision guide 950 may be located at afirst specific distance 960 from blade distal end 921. In one or moreembodiments, second surgical incision guide 951 may be located at asecond specific distance 961 from first surgical incision guide 950.

Illustratively, first surgical incision guide 950 and second surgicalincision guide 951 may be configured to provide information, e.g.,information about a surgical incision. For example, first surgicalincision guide 950 and second surgical incision guide 951 may beconfigured to indicate a safe or desirable range of surgical penetrationdepths. Illustratively, a surgeon may need to penetrate blade 920 atleast a required depth in a particular tissue, but also need to notpenetrate blade 920 more than an undesirable depth in the particulartissue. In one or more embodiments, first surgical incision guide 950may be configured to indicate a required surgical penetration depth andsecond surgical incision guide 951 may be configured to indicate anundesirable surgical penetration depth in a particular tissue.

In one or more embodiments, first surgical incision guide 950 and secondsurgical incision guide 951 may be configured to guide a multi-planesurgical incision. Illustratively, first surgical incision guide 950 maybe configured to indicate that blade 920 is at a first optimal depthwithin a tissue, e.g., by a comparison of an outer surface of the tissuewith a location of first surgical incision guide 950, for a surgeon tochange surgical incision planes within the tissue. In one or moreembodiments, second surgical incision guide 951 may be configured toindicate that blade 920 is at a second optimal depth within a tissue forthe surgeon to change surgical incision planes within the tissue.

For example, when a surgeon is performing a multi-plane surgicalincision, first surgical incision guide 950 may be configured to guidethe surgeon to penetrate blade 920 to a first depth in a tissue whereinblade 920 may be orientated at a first angle relative to a plane normalto a portion of the surface of the tissue. After penetrating blade 920to the first depth in the tissue at the first angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue, the surgeonmay adjust an orientation of blade 920 to a second angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue, and then thesurgeon may penetrate blade 920 to a second depth in the tissue.Illustratively, second surgical incision guide 951 may be configured toguide the surgeon to penetrate blade 920 to a second depth in the tissuewherein blade 920 may be oriented at a second angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue. Afterpenetrating blade 920 to the second depth in the tissue at the secondangle relative to the plane normal to the portion of the surface of thetissue, the surgeon may adjust an orientation of blade 920 to a thirdangle relative to the plane normal to the portion of the surface of thetissue, and then the surgeon may penetrate blade 920 to a third depth inthe tissue.

FIG. 9C is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 902. In oneor more embodiments, surgical blade 902 may comprise a first surgicalincision guide 970, a second surgical incision guide 971, and a thirdsurgical incision guide 972. Illustratively, first surgical incisionguide 970 may be located at a first specific distance 980 from bladedistal end 921. In one or more embodiments, second surgical incisionguide 971 may be located at a second specific distance 981 from firstsurgical incision guide 970. Illustratively, third surgical incisionguide 972 may be located at a third specific distance 982 from secondsurgical incision guide 971.

In one or more embodiments, first surgical incision guide 970, secondsurgical incision guide 971, and third surgical incision guide 972 maybe configured to guide a multi-plane surgical incision. Illustratively,first surgical incision guide 970 may be configured to indicate thatblade 920 is at a first optimal depth within a tissue, e.g., by acomparison of an outer surface of the tissue with a location of firstsurgical incision guide 970, for a surgeon to change surgical incisionplanes within the tissue. In one or more embodiments, second surgicalincision guide 971 may be configured to indicate that blade 920 is at asecond optimal depth within a tissue for the surgeon to change surgicalincision planes within the tissue. Illustratively, third surgicalincision guide 972 may be configured to indicate that blade 920 is at athird optimal depth within a tissue for the surgeon to change surgicalincision planes within the tissue.

For example, when a surgeon is performing a multi-plane surgicalincision, first surgical incision guide 970 may be configured to guidethe surgeon to penetrate blade 920 to a first depth in a tissue whereinblade 920 may be orientated at a first angle relative to a plane normalto a portion of the surface of the tissue. After penetrating blade 920to the first depth in the tissue at the first angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue, the surgeonmay adjust an orientation of blade 920 to a second angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue, and then thesurgeon may penetrate blade 920 to a second depth in the tissue.Illustratively, second surgical incision guide 971 may be configured toguide the surgeon to penetrate blade 920 to a second depth in the tissuewherein blade 920 may be oriented at a second angle relative to theplane normal to the portion of the surface of the tissue. Afterpenetrating blade 920 to the second depth in the tissue at the secondangle relative to the plane normal to the portion of the surface of thetissue, the surgeon may adjust an orientation of blade 920 to a thirdangle relative to the plane normal to the portion of the surface of thetissue, and then the surgeon may penetrate blade 920 to a third depth inthe tissue. Illustratively, third surgical incision guide 972 may beconfigured to guide the surgeon to penetrate blade 920 to a third depthin the tissue wherein blade 920 may be oriented at a third anglerelative to the plane normal to the portion of the surface of thetissue. After penetrating blade 920 to the third depth in the tissue atthe third angle relative to the plane normal to the portion of thesurface of the tissue, the surgeon may adjust an orientation of blade920 to a fourth angle relative to the plane normal to the portion of thesurface of the tissue, and then the surgeon may penetrate blade 920 to afourth depth in the tissue.

FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 1000. Inone or more embodiments, surgical blade 1000 may comprise a blade mount1010 and a blade 1020. Illustratively, blade mount 1010 may beconfigured to support blade 1020. Blade mount 1010 may be manufacturedfrom any suitable material, e.g., polymers, metals, metal alloys, etc.,or from any combination of suitable materials. Illustratively, blade1020 may be configured to make surgical incisions. Blade 1020 comprisesa blade distal end 1021, a blade proximal end 1022, and at least oneblade edge 1023. Blade 1020 may be manufactured from any suitablematerial, e.g., sapphire, diamond, silicon, polymers, metals, metalalloys, etc., or from any combination of suitable materials.

In one or more embodiments, surgical blade 1000 may comprise a universalsurgical incision guide 1030. Illustratively, universal surgicalincision guide 1030 may comprise a plurality of surgical guide marksconfigured to provide information, e.g., information about a surgicalincision. For example, a plurality of surgical guide marks of universalsurgical incision guide 1030 may be located on blade 1020 at discretedistances from blade distal end 1021 and the plurality of surgical guidemarks of universal surgical incision guide 1030 may be configured toindicate a surgical incision depth in a tissue. Illustratively, a firstsurgical guide mark of universal surgical incision guide 1030 may belocated, e.g., 0.5 mm from blade distal end 1021; a second surgicalguide mark of universal surgical incision guide 1030 may be located,e.g., 1.0 mm from blade distal end 1021; a third surgical guide mark ofuniversal surgical incision guide 1030 may be located, e.g., 1.5 mm fromblade distal end 1021; a fourth surgical guide mark of universalsurgical incision guide 1030 may be located, e.g., 2.0 mm from bladedistal end 1021, etc. In one or more embodiments, universal surgicalincision guide 1030 may be configured to guide a multi-plane surgicalincision. For example, one or more surgical guide marks of universalsurgical incision guide 1030 may be configured to indicate an optimaldepth within a tissue for a surgeon to adjust a surgical incision planewithin the tissue. Illustratively, universal surgical incision guide1030 may be configured to train a surgeon, e.g., to correctly perform amulti-plane surgical incision.

In one or more embodiments, blade 1020 may comprise information aboutblade 1020. Illustratively, one or more dimensions of blade 1020 may bemarked on blade 1020, e.g., by laser etching or by biocompatible paintor ink, or by any other suitable means. For example, a blade 1020 with awidth of, e.g., 2.0 mm, may have the numbers and distance units “2.0 mm”marked on a portion of blade 1020. Illustratively, a blade 1020 with awidth of, e.g., 2.0 mm, may have the numbers “2.0” or the number “2”marked on a portion of blade 1020.

In one or more embodiments, blade 1020 may comprise information about alocation of one or more surgical guide marks of surgical incision guide1030 on blade 1020. Illustratively, information about a location of oneor more surgical guide marks of surgical incision guide 1030 may bemarked on blade 1020, e.g., by laser etching or by biocompatible paintor ink, or by any other suitable means. For example, a distance betweena location of one or more surgical guide marks of surgical incisionguide 1030 and blade distal end 1021 may be marked on a portion of blade1020.

In one or more embodiments, if a distance between a first surgical guidemark of surgical incision guide 1030 and blade distal end 1021 is, e.g.,0.5 mm, the numbers and the distance units “0.5 mm” may be marked on aportion of blade 1020. For example, if a distance between a firstsurgical guide mark of surgical incision guide 1030 and blade distal end1021 is, e.g., 0.5 mm, the numbers “0.5” or the number “0.5” may bemarked on a portion of blade 1020. Illustratively, if a distance betweena second surgical guide mark of surgical incision guide 1030 and bladedistal end 1021 is, e.g., 1.0 mm, the numbers and the distance units“1.0 mm” may be marked on a portion of blade 1020. For example, if adistance between a second surgical guide mark of surgical incision guide1030 and blade distal end 1021 is, e.g., 1.0 mm, the numbers “1.0” orthe number “1” may be marked on a portion of blade 1020.

FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram illustrating a surgical blade 1001. Inone or more embodiments, surgical blade 1001 may comprise a universalsurgical incision guide 1040. Illustratively, universal surgicalincision guide 1040 may comprise a plurality of surgical guide marksconfigured to provide information, e.g., information about a surgicalincision. For example, a plurality of surgical guide marks of universalsurgical incision guide 1040 may be located on blade 1020 at discretedistances from blade distal end 1021 and the plurality of surgical guidemarks of universal surgical incision guide 1040 may be configured toindicate a surgical incision depth in a tissue. Illustratively, a firstsurgical guide mark of universal surgical incision guide 1040 may belocated, e.g., 0.25 mm from blade distal end 1021; a second surgicalguide mark of universal surgical incision guide 1040 may be located,e.g., 0.5 mm from blade distal end 1021; a third surgical guide mark ofuniversal surgical incision guide 1040 may be located, e.g., 0.75 mmfrom blade distal end 1021; a fourth surgical guide mark of universalsurgical incision guide 1040 may be located, e.g., 1.0 mm from bladedistal end 1021, etc. In one or more embodiments, universal surgicalincision guide 1040 may be configured to guide a multi-plane surgicalincision. For example, one or more surgical guide marks of universalsurgical incision guide 1040 may be configured to indicate an optimaldepth within a tissue for a surgeon to adjust a surgical incision planewithin the tissue.

The foregoing description has been directed to particular embodiments ofthis invention. It will be apparent; however, that other variations andmodifications may be made to the described embodiments, with theattainment of some or all of their advantages. Specifically, it shouldbe noted that the principles of the present invention may be implementedin any instrument regardless of the instrument's purpose or use.Furthermore, while this description has been written in terms of anophthalmic surgical blade, the teachings of the present invention areequally suitable to any instrument where the functionality of theinvention may be employed. Therefore, it is the object of the appendedclaims to cover all such variations and modifications as come within thetrue spiry it and scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:
 1. An instrument comprising: an outer sleeve of theinstrument having an outer sleeve distal end and an outer sleeveproximal end; an actuation guide of the outer sleeve having a distaldetent and a proximal detent; an actuation channel of the actuationguide having an actuation channel distal end and an actuation channelproximal end; an outer sleeve proximal core of the outer sleeve havingan actuation pin access port and a pressure mechanism distal interface;an outer sleeve distal core of the outer sleeve wherein the outer sleevedistal core is disposed between the outer sleeve distal end and theouter sleeve proximal core and wherein the outer sleeve proximal core isdisposed between the outer sleeve proximal end and the outer sleevedistal core; an inner handle of the instrument having an inner handledistal end and an inner handle proximal end; a pressure mechanismfoundation of the inner handle; an inner handle base of the innerhandle; a distal outer sleeve interface of the inner handle having apressure mechanism proximal interface, a distal actuation guide, and anactuation pin wherein the distal outer sleeve interface is disposedbetween the pressure mechanism foundation and the inner handle base; aproximal outer sleeve interface of the inner handle having a proximalactuation guide and an actuation control apparatus interface; anactuation control apparatus of the inner handle wherein the proximalouter sleeve interface is disposed between the actuation controlapparatus and the inner handle base; a blade mount having a blade mountdistal end and a blade mount proximal end, the blade mount fixed to theinner handle; a blade having a blade distal end, a blade proximal end,and at least one blade edge wherein the blade is disposed in the blademount; and a pressure mechanism having a pressure mechanism distal endand a pressure mechanism proximal end, the pressure mechanism isdisposed over the pressure mechanism foundation of the inner handlewherein the pressure mechanism proximal end abuts the pressure mechanismproximal interface of the inner handle and the pressure mechanism distalend abuts the pressure mechanism distal interface of the outer sleeveand wherein the distal outer sleeve interface is disposed in the outersleeve proximal core wherein the actuation pin is disposed in theactuation guide.
 2. The instrument of claim 1 further comprising: afirst surgical incision guide of the blade; and a second surgicalincision guide of the blade.
 3. The instrument of claim 2 wherein thefirst surgical incision guide and the second surgical incision guide areconfigured to indicate a range of surgical penetration depths of theblade in a tissue.
 4. The instrument of claim 2 wherein the firstsurgical incision guide and the second surgical incision guide areconfigured to guide a multi-plane surgical incision in a tissue.
 5. Theinstrument of claim 2 further comprising: a third surgical incisionguide of the blade.
 6. The instrument of claim 5 wherein the firstsurgical incision guide, the second surgical incision guide, and thethird surgical incision guide are configured to guide a multi-planeincision in a tissue.
 7. The instrument of claim 1 wherein the pressuremechanism is a spring.
 8. The instrument of claim 7 wherein the pressuremechanism has a spring constant in a range of 0.01 N/mm to 5.0 N/mm. 9.The instrument of claim 7 wherein the pressure mechanism has a springconstant of less than 0.01 N/mm.
 10. The instrument of claim 7 whereinthe pressure mechanism has a spring constant of greater than 5.0 N/mm.11. The instrument of claim 1 wherein the pressure mechanism is apneumatic system.
 12. The instrument of claim 1 wherein the pressuremechanism is configured to provide a force.
 13. The instrument of claim12 wherein the force is configured to resist an actuation of theactuation pin.
 14. The instrument of claim 12 wherein the force isconfigured to facilitate an actuation of the actuation pin.
 15. Theinstrument of claim 1 further comprising: an ergonomic surgical safetygrip of the outer sleeve.
 16. The instrument of claim 15 furthercomprising: a plurality of grip points wherein each grip point of theplurality of grip points is configured to increase a total contact areabetween a surgeon's fingertip and the ergonomic surgical safety grip.17. The instrument of claim 1 further comprising: a blade indicationsignal of the actuation control apparatus.
 18. The instrument of claim17 wherein the blade indication signal is configured to visuallyindicate a length of the blade.
 19. The instrument of claim 17 whereinthe blade indication signal is configured to visually indicate a widthof the blade.
 20. The instrument of claim 17 wherein the bladeindication signal is configured to visually indicate s geometry of theblade.